[en] Social inequalities in health are a major public concern. Some of these
inequalities are currently not well documented, and are thus largely absent
from debate. One important health issue is renal disease and access to
the corresponding therapies (dialysis and renal transplant). These two
therapeutic options have very different consequences in terms of labour
market participation and physical well-being. Renal transplants offer
patients an enhanced quality of daily life and a longer life expectancy, but
this option is limited by organ availability. Here, drawing on two recent
surveys, Christian B audelot , Yvanie C aillé , Olivier G odechot and Sylvie
M ercier examine socially differentiated access to these two therapies
and explore the underlying mechanisms. At each stage in the disease
and its treatment, a cumulative process puts the least educated patients
at a disadvantage in terms of access to a kidney transplant.